To say this match would be important to both teams would be an under-statement. Having had something at stake is one thing, a full season at stake takes it to an even higher level. While for Southampton a draw might keep them in the hunt, a negative results for the Reds might well wash all the good-effort that they have done of late in 2015.
Thus, apart from the 3 points that will be for sale at the Saint Mary on Sunday, there will be a lot of score-settling when Southampton hosts Liverpool on Sunday.
Here are the 5 things that can be expected when two of the Champions League aspirants will go head to head: –
Nervousness from both teams
If you watched the game between PSG and Chelsea on Tuesday, you might have noticed the fact that either of the teams, the ever defensive Mourinho’s side and the ever-flamboyant PSG, neither of them were willing to experiment. Putting it in a layman’s term, no one was willing to give the other side an opportunity. Same scenes can be expected from the Saint Mary on Sunday.
Although Premier League doesn’t holds an away goal rule –it’s obvious I know, but the first goal of the match will be crucial because neither of the sides can expect to go back and dig deep.
Primarily, both teams haven’t been able to make comebacks all season. Looking at Liverpool and although they have made 3 comebacks in the FA Cup this season – more than any other side, the quality of the teams to whom they inflicted misery wasn’t the level of Premier League.
Thus, going back will be the last option in Brendan Rodgers’ pre-match notes.
Fatigue might get the better of Liverpool
In the last 7 seasons whenever Liverpool have made it to the Europa, they FAILED to be in the Champions League spot that season. While that was the era of Rafael Benetiz or Roy Hodgson, or a 1 year reign of Kenny Dalglish, the Reds have faltered in each season in which they were obliged to play Europa.
In the last 8 seasons, the Reds have failed to qualify for the Champions League in every season in which they participated in Europa League
Busting the myth, although you don’t need to concentrate too much, it has always been the lack of game-changers Liverpool have at their bench in all those times. While the current squad of Liverpool is bigger, and certainly much better, the Game-Changers will be the same that played against Besiktas in the week, or that played against Tottenham a week earlier, or even before that.
Thus, for Liverpool, even though Sterling will come fresh as his recent injury granted him some off-time, the fatigue factor to the likes of Coutinho and Sturridge might cause their performance level to drop a bit.
Boos, Jeers and taunts
Leaving your club is one thing, leaving it with a statement takes it to an even higher level. And unluckily for the likes of Dejan Lovren, the defender didn’t help himself when he forced Southampton to accept the 20million bid.
Having refused to report to the training when he was on contract with the Saints, that was a desperate effort from the Croatian to seek his ‘’dream move’’ as he later labelled it. Thus, even though the Saints fans have their dreams coming true this season, they would be ruthless with the reception of a player whom they introduced to Premier League football.
Sterling, Balotelli and Sturridge might partner up-front
When Brendan Rodgers signed Balotelli in the summer, the front three of Sterling-Balotelli-Sturridge was the designated plot he would have envisaged in his mind. But thanks to the recurring chain reaction of injuries that happened to Daniel Sturridge, and the merciless bad-form of Mario Balotelli, the dream never came true.
However, looking at the patches of play all 3 of them have partnered together, it would be safe for the Northern Irishman to accommodate the trio in his starting 11. And with Philippe Coutinho on the verge of burning out, this move will be recommended by the majority of Reds’ fans as well.
Immaculate defending from both sides
First of all, both teams have been good defensively. While Southampton have managed a streamline defensive record all season, the Reds have recently joined the attire of a team that knows how to defend.
Looking at the form guide of all the Premier League teams this season, the Saints stand on the 2nd spot while the Reds are sitting on 1st. Thus, unlike all the different things that happened to both of them in the last 8 months, one thing is getting common of late, their natural ability to defend.
Goals conceded by Southampton in 2015: 2
Goals conceded by Liverpool in 2015: 4
In terms of clean-sheets in the whole of campaign, Fraser Foster sits first with 12 in the Premier League. However, termed as a Dracula from one of the Liverpool’s goal-keeping greats this season, Mignolet has improved tremendously to go ahead the likes of De Gea and Lloris by keeping 8 of his own.
In terms of goals conceded in 2015, the Reds stand on the 2nd spot with the 2nd number of lowest goals conceded by any side. Having conceded 25 goals in the first half of 2014/15 season, the Reds have conceded just 4 goals in 2015 till date. A remarkable improvement.
However, for Saints who have been the 4th best defensive unit in Europe this season, they have let in just 2 in 6 games. Thus, apart from testing their attacking mettle, both the teams will be heavily relying on their defensive units as well.
Barclays Premier League - Southampton vs Liverpool: 5 things to expect from this Sunday's clash
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